Portland Timbers owner sticking by interim coach Wilkinson

Portland Timbers owner Merritt Paulson says he is not about to get rid of caretaker head coach Gavin Wilkinson.

Portland Timbers owner Merritt Paulson says he is not about to get rid of caretaker head coach Gavin Wilkinson.

The former Timbers general manager took the reins when John Spencer was sacked last month but has failed to record a victory in seven MLS outings since.

That form has seen Portland drop to the bottom of the Western Conference, prompting fans to call for Wilkinson’s head but Paulson has made it clear the club will stick with the New Zealander.

"Gavin is not going anywhere," Paulson told The Oregonian on Monday. "More big changes is not what this team needs right now.

"We've stripped the team down and are implementing a whole new system. What we're doing now is starting to bear some fruit. Our statistics are up and even though our wins are not, we're starting to play on the road like we do at home. We're scoring goals and playing attractive soccer.

"I feel the fans' frustration is justifiable, but it is misdirected at Gavin.”